Te Ao Māramatanga
New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses inc.
9th International Conference 2026
Ko nga Nehi te pumanawa mo te whānau – Whānau in the Hearts and Minds of Nurses
19–20 November 2026 | The Pā, University of Waikato, Kirikiriroa- Hamilton, Aotearoa NZ
Join us in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton for two inspiring days dedicated to the future of mental health, addiction and disability nursing in Aotearoa.
The Te Ao Māramatanga – NZCMHN 9th International Conference brings together nurses, leaders, researchers, and partners from across the motto for connection, learning, and impactful kōrero.
This years theme, Ko nga Nehi te pumanawa mo te whānau – Whānau in the Hearts and Minds of Nurses, places whānau-centred practice at the heart of every conversation – honouring whaiora, whānau, communities, culture, and identity as essential to wellbeing.
Call for Abstract Submissions Now Open!
Posters & Oral Presentations
→ Fill out the form
Workshops
→ Fill out the form
Conference Programme
Fellowship Nominations
Fellowship nominations are now open!
Fellowship recognises individuals who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the profession through leadership, practice, research, education, or service.
This is an opportunity to acknowledge colleagues and leaders whose work has made a meaningful impact.
Key dates:
- Nominations close: 31 July 2026
- Fellowship Ceremony: Held at the Conference, November 2026
We encourage you to consider nominating a deserving colleague.
Criteria for Fellowship Nomination
- 3 + Years of membership of College
- Outstanding contribution and leadership to the profession of mental health, addiction and/or disability nursing in the area of clinical practice, education, research or professional leadership
- Contribution to the development and functioning of the College
- Good standing
- Letter of support from the proposer is required to support this nomination
- Letter of support from the seconder is required to support this nomination
If you have any questions about eligibility or the nomination process, please get in touch.
Fellowship Nominations
Call For Abstract Submissions
Posters, Presentations and Workshops
Abstract submissions are now open for the Te Ao Māramatanga NZCMHN Conference 2026. We invite contributors to submit proposals for posters, oral presentations, and workshops.
We welcome submissions that reflect practice, research, innovation, education, and lived experience across mental health, addictions and disability nursing. Abstracts may be practice‑based, research‑informed, reflective, or co‑designed, and submissions are encouraged from people at all stages of their career.
Workshop formats
There are two workshop options available:
3‑hour workshops, delivered as pre‑conference sessions on 18 November
1‑hour workshops, delivered during the conference on 19–20 November
Please ensure you select the correct workshop format when submitting your abstract.
Submissions open: 30 April 2026
Submissions close: 19 June 2026
Please submit your abstract using the appropriate form below:
Posters & Oral Presentations
Call for Abstracts: Posters and Presentations – Te Ao Māramatanga NZCMHN Conference 2026
→ Fill out the form
Workshops
Call for Abstracts: Workshops – Te Ao Māramatanga NZCMHN Conference 2026
→ Fill out the form
Why Attend?
Be inspired by leading voices
Hear from national and international speakers who will explore emerging practice, whānau‑centred models of care, workforce development, lived experience perspectives, and the evolving landscape of mental health, addiction and disability services.
Grow your practice
Across two days you’ll be able to participate in:
- Dynamic presentations and panel discussions
- Specialist workshops during and prior to the conference
- Sessions highlighting Māori, Pacific, disability, addiction, and whānau‑led insights
- Conversations shaping policy, leadership, and the future of mental health nursing, addiction and disability nursing in Aotearoa
(Programme details will be shared as they are confirmed).
Connect and celebrate
Enjoy opportunities to network and reconnect, including the conference dinner and Fellowship Ceremony honouring excellence in mental health, addiction and disability nursing in Aotearoa
Experience an exceptional venue
The Pā provides an inspiring environment grounded in te ao Māori values—supporting meaningful learning, reflection, and connection.
Who Should Attend?
- Mental health, addiction and disability nurses
- Student nurses
- Nurse practitioners and clinical leaders
- Educators, researchers, and policymakers
- NGO and community-based practitioners
- Anyone committed to advancing whānau‑centred care
Pre‑Conference Workshops
Wednesday 18 November 2026 | University of Waikato
A programme of pre‑conference workshops will be held on Wednesday 18 November 2026, prior to the main conference. These workshops will take place at the University of Waikato, ahead of the conference opening on Thursday 19 November.
Pre‑conference workshops are independently run by individual presenters and offer an opportunity for more in‑depth learning, skill development, and focused discussion in smaller group settings.
Important Information for Attendees
- Pre‑conference workshops are separate from the main conference programme
- Registration, fees, and delivery are managed directly by each workshop presenter
- Places may be limited and may require early booking
Attendees considering participation in a pre‑conference workshop are advised to factor additional travel and accommodation nights into their planning.
Further Details
Information about available workshops, including topics, schedules, costs, and registration links, will be published on the conference website closer to the event.
Be Ready to Secure Your Place
Early‑bird registrations are open now! We encourage delegates to organise professional development funding, conference leave, or employer approval early so you can take advantage of the discounted early‑bird rates.
We look forward to welcoming you to Kirikiriroa for an inspiring, future‑focused gathering that strengthens practice, connection, and whānau‑centred mental health nursing. addiction and disability nursing in Aotearoa
Main contact: events@nzcmhn.org.nz
Sponsorship and Exhibition Prospectus
This sponsorship and exhibition prospectus outlines partnership opportunities for the 9th International Conference of Te Ao Māramatanga – New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses, to be held 19–20 November 2026 at The Pā, University of Waikato, Kirikiriroa | Hamilton.
With the theme Ko ngā nehi te pumanawa mō te whānau – Whānau in the Hearts and Minds of Nurses, the conference brings together mental health, addictions, and disability nurses, leaders, educators, students, and sector partners from across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Sponsoring the conference offers organisations meaningful visibility and engagement with a committed, values‑driven nursing workforce, while supporting whānau‑centred, culturally responsive practice and improved outcomes for whaiora, whānau, and communities.
The prospectus details a range of sponsorship and exhibition options, from major partnership packages to targeted opportunities, and outlines how sponsors can align with the conference kaupapa, connect with delegates, and demonstrate commitment to workforce wellbeing and equity.